The Prime Minister claims that Labour is more interested in pleasing teachers’ unions than getting disadvantaged children back into education. By appointing Kate Green as shadow education secretary, Keir Starmer has proved him wrong. Green has dedicated most of her working life to standing up for children in need, including as head of the Child Poverty Action Group and the National Council for One Parent Families. She’s widely seen as Labour’s most authoritative voice on poverty in childhood, and in her new post she will be totally focused on helping poor children catch up after Covid-19.
Green is known for being on top of the detail, and her integrity was recognised by fellow MPs when they elected her to lead the committee that polices members’ conduct. And as a forensic-minded policy-wonk she chaired the Fabian Society until 2018. Gavin Williamson, the struggling Education Secretary, will not welcome the contrast.
Andrew Harrop, General Secretary, Fabian Society
Editor's reply
Dear Andrew
Vulnerable children face huge problems. Many have been stuck in unsafe, noisy, overcrowded flats during lockdown, with some not allowed outside for weeks at a time. As well as making it impossible to get any schoolwork done, their circumstances have negatively affected their mental health. Many have gone backwards both educationally and emotionally. They need as many people as possible on all sides to fight for them and help improve their lives.
Anna Davis, Education Editor
Respect parents
At this time of crisis it would be hard to find anything more divisive and likely to sour attitudes than the threat of fines against rightly anxious parents who don’t want their children to go to school. Instead of threats it would be better for government and opposition to eat some humble pie.
Peter Roberts
